Historic Kennington Skatebowl Awarded Major Funding for Restoration
Lambeth Council has committed a substantial £566,000 investment to revive Kennington Park's iconic skatebowl, a beloved 1970s facility known affectionately as 'Kenny'. This decision follows a vigorous community campaign that highlighted the skatepark's deterioration and safety concerns.
Campaign Success and Council Commitment
In September 2025, local advocates launched a petition demanding the council honor previous restoration promises. The petition garnered over 2,500 signatures and received official backing from Skateboard GB, the national governing body for skateboarding. Friends of Kennington Park (FoKP), the group leading the campaign, expressed enthusiasm about the council's renewed commitment.
A FoKP spokesperson stated: "We, and the whole skateboarding community, are thrilled that the council has decided to honour their promise to restore Kennington Park's iconic skatebowl. There's still a long way to go, but we're very much looking forward to working with the council to get the project back on track."
The funding was officially included in next year's Capital Investment program and endorsed during Lambeth Council's annual budget meeting on March 4. Councilor Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, emphasized the skatepark's value: "Kennington Skatepark is highly valued by people in Lambeth and far beyond, and we're delighted that we've been able to confirm this vital support."
Structural Challenges and Restoration Plans
The skatebowl had become dangerous due to uneven surfaces caused by foundation movement and distortion from tree roots, issues linked to its original construction on a tarmac court. Restoration works will address these problems through:
- Screw-pile foundations to stabilize the structure
- Realignment of concrete slabs
- Asbestos remediation and essential concrete repairs
- Specialist skateboard-grade concrete fabrication and finishing
- Access-ramp design and construction
- Grinding and polishing for optimal surface quality
Lambeth Council plans to appoint specialist contractors skilled in skatepark construction to ensure the bowl becomes high-quality, safe, and ready for community use once again.
Historical Significance and Community Impact
Opened in 1978 and designed by Lorne Edwards, often called the "grandfather of British skateboarding," Kennington Skatebowl is one of the country's oldest skateparks. Its unique design and historical importance have made it a cherished landmark for generations of skateboarders.
Street artist Dave the Chimp, who began skateboarding at age 12, recalled the skatebowl's personal significance: "I used to love going there, it was my happy place... It was different enough that it was also challenging and it was surrounded by trees, it was cool and a good place to hang out." He added, "There's no other construction like that anywhere in the country, I think it's unique and should be repaired for skateboarding."
The council acknowledges that capital projects, including the skatepark, were previously paused due to financial constraints but is now moving forward with this restoration as part of its commitment to community assets. Campaigners hope the procurement process will restart in April, with on-site work beginning later this year.
